Case Studies

Featured Case Study

Standing Strong: Confronting Unethical Conduct (Cadet Version)

CDT Kelly Kingma reported her tactical NCO for unprofessional conduct. After several investigations, it was found that he photographed and filmed females without their knowledge and consent. He pled guilty to one charge and eight specifications of a violation of Article 120 of military law for "indecent acts." As a two time Ironman finisher there is no doubt Cadet Kelly Kingma is "tough." Throughout this two year ordeal the harsh criticism she received from her peers for reporting a competent and well liked career NCO for these unprofessional acts bothered her most. She is sharing her story to help leaders understand the importance of supporting those who come forward with an allegation of wrongdoing.

A Vulnerable Unity

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SSG Bell describes a mission in Afghanistan when his Company was ambushed. The unit is moving toward an Afghan village together with their Afghan National Army comrades. While moving through a valley, they are ambushed and begin to withdraw. Two Afghan Soldiers are left behind, and one of them is wounded. SSG Bell spots them trying to move back under fire.

Accountable Justice

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1SG Ernie Kurica has an unknown criminal in his ranks, and that Soldier has removed a 9mm pistol from the Company Armsroom. After locking down the Company, questioning suspects, and checking paperwork, 1SG Kurica and his Commander must make a decision: Choose to pursue justice knowing that weapon may never be seen again or pursue recovery of the weapon by offering amnesty, and let the criminal walk.

Adherence to Standards

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SGT Dee talks about the close relationship Soldiers have after a deployment. He describes his reluctance to correct Soldiers that he is close to, but he understands the need to demonstrate the proper Respect. SGT Dee describes what this Respect looks like off duty.

Age of Accountability

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After raiding a house in Iraq, CPT Dan Baringer faced a significant challenge finding the proponent for enemy activity in a local neighborhood. He suspected a young local national of the insurgent activity but lacked the necessary proof to know for sure. The boy looked fourteen or fifteen years old, but CPT Baringer's intuition told him that there was more to the boy's story than the information being shared with him from other local nationals. His unit's policy for detainees was that they could not hold or process a detainee under the age of sixteen. After calling back to his battalion TOC, CPT Baringer was told that he could bring this person back but, "there were going to be repercussions in the community and back at the unit.

An Ethical Pause

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SFC Thompson talks about being asked to drive for a re-supply mission just before she redeployed. She agrees to the task. While on the way to the supported unit, the convoy is ambushed. One of the Turkish trucks is on fire and the driver is standing in the kill zone screaming for help. SFC Thompson is driving precious cargo and is ordered to "push through."

Army Civilian Corps: Serving as an Army Professional

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Ms. Ellen Helmerson serves in the Senior Executive Service as the Deputy Chief of Staff for G1/4, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Fort Eustis, Virginia. She began her career as a summer hire clerk typist over 32 years ago. She is sharing her thoughts on the importance of Army Civilians in the Army Profession.

Binding Wounds

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LT Ben Melton found his platoon in a difficult position. During an engagement with insurgents, one of the members of his platoon engaged a local national that was fleeing the area. It appeared to the Soldier taking the shot that the local national had a pistol slipped in his belt. The platoon moved up to find that the local national did not have a weapon and was severely wounded in his shoulder. Despite the risk to his platoon and the medical assets, LT Melton made the decision to immediately provide medical care. While making this decision, LT Melton was fully aware that there would be an investigation resulting from this incident.

Bonded Commitment

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SGT Purchase describes one of the female Soldiers in his Platoon whom he admired. She rose quickly into a leadership position and set the example for her Soldiers. After re-deployment, members of the unit move to different Army posts and positions. SGT Purchase finds out the female soldier had bone cancer, and later died. He weighs the decision to go to her funeral, realizing that his wife may misunderstand his motives for going and because financially it will be difficult.

Caring for our Own

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CSM Julie Guerra was the victim of sexual assault as a Private First Class. Her unit's leadership set a standard which she now uses to train and educate her leaders on how to handle these cases. She is sharing her story to help fellow Army professionals better understand the needs of sexual assault victims, in order to eradicate this crime that undermines trust and tarnishes our Army Profession.